Hall of Fame: William E. Anderson

Guided growth at future PNC Bank

William E. Anderson

He carried a clarinet in his car and played at events and gatherings without much prompting, illustrating his love for people and parties.

When not churning out tunes, Anderson was the top executive at The Central Trust Co., now PNC Bank. He was named the bank's president in 1960 and became its board chairman in 1964. Under his watch, Central Trust realized steady, solid growth. PNC Bank is now the region's third-largest bank based on deposits.

Anderson rose through the ranks at Central Trust first as a trust officer and then vice president.

He also was chairman of the Hamilton County Republican Party in 1965. He and his wife, Marian, once drove Ronald Reagan around Ohio on a state tour before Reagan became president.

Anderson also was a founder of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports various community groups ranging from the arts to education.

He was president of the Lloyd Library and Museum of Cincinnati, board member of the LB Harrison Club and served in various capacities with Xavier University and the YWCA.

Anderson was named a "Great Living Cincinnatian" by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber shortly before his death in 1980 at age 80.

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Hall of Fame: William E. Anderson

When not churning out tunes, Anderson was the top executive at The Central Trust Co., now PNC Bank. He was named the bank's president in 1960 and became its board chairman in 1964. Under his watch,